County Takes Over Counterfeiting Probe

CENTRAL FLORIDA - The Area - In Brief - SEMINOLE

April 2, 2002

SANFORD -- Seminole County deputy sheriffs have taken over an investigation of counterfeiting because the amount of fake money involved -- $1,980, so far -- does not meet the criteria for prosecution on federal charges.

In early February, federal agents searched the home of a Longwood-area man after he was tied to $31 in bogus bills spent at an Albertsons store in Longwood. Deputies said they seized counterfeit money, a bag of scraps from making the money, a combination printer-copier and paper from his home.

In early March, Apopka police recovered $40 in fake money passed at a Checker's restaurant in Apopka. They also recovered $85 from the wallet of an Orlando man who deputies said spent some phony money tied to the Longwood-area man.

Secret Service agents said $360 passed in November at a Hess Mart in Winter Springs also is connected to the counterfeiting operation.